Shoppers in Heywood have spoken of their devastation after it was announced on Tuesday (February 28) that the Argos depot that employs more than 300 people in their town is due to close.
Sainsbury’s, who own the high street retailer, have announced that around 350 jobs are at risk at the site in the Rochdale borough, which serves Argos stores across the north of England.
Bosses said the move is part of an overhaul intended to create a ‘simpler’ and ‘more modern’ logistics network, however Unite bosses have said there is ‘no economic justification’ for the closures. The union added that as well as direct job losses, HGV drivers employed by Wincanton, who are contracted by Argos, are also at risk.
The loss of such a large employer has shaken people across the town.
Karen Lee, who was out shopping with a friend, said the closure was a “damn shame” and that the building of new houses in Heywood had offered locals some hope, but the closure of the distribution site was “a blow”. On the potential loss of over 300 jobs at the centre, Karen added: “People need their jobs, especially now.”
Local resident Elizabeth Burgess, who lives close to the Pilsworth Road site, also worried about the future of the town following the announcement. She added: “You don’t want to lose anywhere do you? A lot of places are closing down. You want it to be busy, you don’t want these places closing down.”
Many also voiced their concerns about Heywood town centre and how those businesses could also suffer as a result of the job losses.
Gail Pooley, who lives in Heywood, added: “I think it is going to affect the town centre too. There were a lot of jobs there, it is worrying, Argos is a good shop.”
This sentiment was echoed by Robert Hesketh from Radcliffe, who was shopping at the Asda supermarket close to the Heywood Distribution Park. He said that the closure of the site will have a “massive effect on the town”.
Richard Hewart, who has lived in nearby Whitefield for over 40 years, added that it wasn’t just Heywood that would be affected by the closure, but it would have a ripple effect on nearby towns across the neighbouring boroughs.
He said: “It shouldn’t be happening, it’s ridiculous. They’re doing it all around Manchester as well. I’m from Whitefield and it's happening up there, it will affect everyone in Bury too.”
There was also some confusion about why such a big employer was leaving the distribution park, which is also home to brands including Footasylum and B&Q.
Joyce Wharton lives in Middleton, she said: “I thought they had just done it all up? I don’t understand it. I thought they were linking up each industrial estate. The town centre will definitely be affected too, which is worrying.”
Gillian Dunne and Steve Green, who live behind the depot on Argyle Street, also considered the reality of job losses as the cost of living crisis continues.
Gillian said: “There are a lot of local people that work there, we see a lot of people walking to work. We feel sorry for the people losing their jobs.
“It is shocking, it’s not just the people that work in the warehouse, it’s the drivers, the cleaners. It really worries us. Anyone losing their jobs, especially now when people are struggling."
Gillian’s partner Steve has lived in Heywood for 14 years. He is worried that whilst the town has seen some improvement, like new houses being built, these aren't a realistic investment for lower-paid workers, like those employed at the Argos depot.
“I’ve seen a lot of change. Some for the better - there are new houses going up, but those houses will be attracting the richer people. It’s the lower end that suffers. It’s shocking.
“The people that are in those jobs are the ones that are on a smaller wage, who are struggling anyway and are going to be struggling even more now.”
Officials say around 350 jobs are at risk at the site in the Rochdale borough, which serves Argos stores across the north of England.
Sainsbury’s say the move is part of an overhaul intended to create a ‘simpler’ and ‘more modern’ logistics network.
Councillor Angela Brown, for the West Heywood ward, said: "I understand people's concerns. Most Heywood residents know people who work or have worked at the Heywood depot. I remember my older brother working there when I was growing up, along with lots of his friends. It's been a part of our town for a long time.
"After reading the announcement yesterday it appears to be a national decision Argos are making to cut costs even whilst making good profit. Heywood has a lot to offer as a location for businesses and we will work with all involved to preserve those jobs if possible, bring in new jobs if not, and support staff in either case.
"As a Unite member I have reached out to Unite to see how I can personally support them and I know all councillors will be working closely with them. I want to offer any affected staff to reach out to me, Heywood Councillors or the council."
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “As with any major change to our business, we have not taken the difficult decision to start this consultation lightly. As part of our plan to create a simpler business, we previously set out our intention to integrate our Argos and Sainsbury’s logistics networks.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been working hard to transform this network as we make our business simpler, more efficient and more effective for customers. This also allows us to reduce costs, so we can invest where it will make the most impact for our customers. We understand that this will be an unsettling time for affected colleagues, and we will support them however we can throughout this process"
In total, 1400 jobs across the country are due to be affected, with the retailer also shutting their site at Basildon in Essex, over the next three years.
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